What's Hot and What's Not

After two weeks in Abu Dhabi it might be a good time to post about some of the things which:

A.  Are awesome about this place
B.  Will take some getting used to...


So let's begin with the things that will take some getting used to!

1.  The 'smog' that surrounds the city.  I have been lucky enough to see the moon a few nights while swimming in the pool on the roof-top.  There's a haze that surrounds the city that I believe is a mixture of pollution and sand in the air.  You don't get the crisp vision of the sky you see in NZ and you certainly don't get to see the stars at night.

2.  The heat is going to take some getting used to - and we're not even in the hottest part of the year!  In Abu Dhabi City there is humidity - and this makes the heat harder to take.  It is not uncommon to wait at a bus stop and have beads of sweat running off every part of you.  The upside of course is that you drink significant amounts of water just to keep hydrated - and that's got to be good for you!

3.  The lack of greenery around the city.  You do miss the hills and the beautiful 'green' that is NZ.  Of course you don't miss the rain (yet) and you don't miss the frost and the cold...but you do miss the grass and the luxuriousness and lushness of our environment back home.  And having said that, I've been assured by just about everyone that Al Ain will be completely different to this city - it will be green!

4.  Men staring at you on the buses...and in general.   It is just the way it is.  It is harmless but does take some getting used to.

5.  The fact that you're not an equal in this society.  I've made peace with that, but when you have been standing in a queue and someone of the male gender cuts in front and is served...well, that's going to take some getting used to.


6.  Being called "Miss Jacqui" by everyone.  Here last names do not matter and you are known simply by your first name.  This will be interesting when I finally start school.

7.  The fact that there are no street names (well very few) and you direct a taxi according to landmarks.  And there are a million taxis...!

8.  Of course the slow pace of things that happen here.  We're used to phoning someone and within a day something is switched on or activated.  That just doesn't happen in Abu Dhabi.  The favourite word is 'insha'allah" which means 'god willing'.  Things will get done when they get done.


And now, what I love already about the place!

1.  The people, the people, the people...they are lovely.  Everyone seems to know where New Zealand is and loves to talk to you about our land.  They know of our cricket team (go figure) and how green it is in our country.  They love kiwis - in Oman if you have a border crossing to do for a visa they charge you less than any other nationality - they adore kiwis.  So many people I have met so far are kind, gentle and respectful.  They love to hear about us and where we come from.  They love the fact that we are teachers.  And, they are interesting people with interesting stories of their own.

2.  Knowing what the weather will be like tomorrow before you wake up in the morning.  And...knowing what to wear as a result!

3.  The shopping - to die for. We think everything is cheap here...and then they have sales about every 3 months with 70% off.  So cool.  And, you can haggle to get prices down...now that is cool!  I'm perfecting the art.

4.  The fact that I'm being paid to have an extended holiday - in a hotel with a pool and a gym and a cleaner and a full-breakfast that I do not have to pay for.

5.  The eclectic mix of buildings; some old and some very new.  There is construction going on all over this city.  The palace and the mosque have been two of my highlights.  And it will get even better when we head out to Al Ain as the sites there are even more historical.

6.  The fact that I can go and ride a camel for free!

7.  The awesome ex-pat community who reside here.  There is a great group of people to share adventures with and to let out frustrations to.  We're all in the same boat.

8.  That even in Abu Dhabi there is a little piece of NZ!



Someone told me recently to give myself 3-6 months to get through the difficult stages of settling into a new country.  I think that is wise advice.  Then I will have new lists to consider.  But to be privileged enough to have this experience is what makes all the good and the bad worthwhile.  How many of us ever have the courage and the opportunity to give something like this a go.  I'm really lucky.  And for now, I'm willing to play in someone else's sandpit and take all I can from the experience!